On the TechTO stage ×1
First seen on the TechTO stage in 2026. Every talk is searchable — ask the archive about Ankita ↗
In their words
Law firms are the late adopters of technology. They're almost a decade behind
We were throwing spaghetti at the wall hoping that something would stick
Law clerks that were supposed to use the software don't like the software. They are scared that eventually this would replace them
More from TechTO ×1
Quick answers
What is Ankita Sharma's role at Philer?
Founder and chief executive. Philer's about page, checked 2026-10-13, signs its founder note Ankita Sharma, founder & CEO, and TechBeat Canada used the same title in its 2025-03-28 interview with her.
Why did she start Philer?
She told TechTO in October 2026 that the closing on her first home in Canada ran on paperwork and phone calls. She quit her job, worked inside a law firm for about a year to learn why, and then launched Philer as client intake software for real estate lawyers.
Why did 46 law firms not work?
Partners signed for efficiency, but the law clerks who had to use the software resisted it, fearing it would replace them, and usage stayed low. After about 18 months she pivoted from selling to law firms to working with brokerages, then real estate agents and mortgage brokers (TechTO stage, October 2026).
What changed in 2024?
Philer announced on 2024-09-09 that the Law Society of Ontario had approved it, under the Access to Innovation programme, to offer real estate legal services directly to consumers. On stage she said Philer then moved legal partners in-house and reached more than 260 realtor and mortgage broker partners.